House T&I establishes 3P special panel

Written by
William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief

Rep. John Duncan Jr.

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall, II (D-W.Va.) on Jan. 16, 2014 announced the establishment of yet another special panel. The “Panel on Public-Private Partnerships” [identified as P3s] will focus on the use of and opportunities for P3s across all modes of transportation, economic development, public buildings, water, and maritime infrastructure and equipment.

“The panel will examine the current state of P3s in the United States to identify the role P3s play in development and delivery of transportation and infrastructure projects in the U.S., and on the U.S. economy; if/how P3s enhance delivery and management of transportation and infrastructure projects beyond the capabilities of government agencies or the private sector acting independently; and how to balance the needs of the public and private sectors when considering, developing, and implementing P3 projects,” said Shuster. This week, the Transportation Committee held its first hearing on the next reauthorization of surface transportation programs, which it plans to develop this year. The P3 panel’s work can serve as another tool the Committee uses to write that legislation, as well as other initiatives to improve the United States’ ability to utilize available resources and strengthen our infrastructure.”

By the rules of the Committee adopted at the beginning of the Congress, the Chairman can establish special panels to serve for a period of six months.